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Barnickel took over as library director in November and made it a goal to expand operating hours. The three largest branches are now open 50 hours a week. Mid-sized branches, such as Nipomo, are open 38 hours a week. Smaller branches, such as Creston, are open 18 hours a week.

In the spring, the department conducted community surveys to determine how the extra hours could best be used according to community needs. The larger libraries will be open Monday through Saturday. Mid-sized branches typically added evening hours, and the smaller branches had their hours spread out so they are closed fewer days.

The expanded hours of operation restore hours that were eliminated around 2005 after the defeat of a ballot measure that would have generated more money for libraries, Barnickel said.

Also starting July, a $1 hold fee will go away. Patrons can now request up to 10 items from the library system without paying the fee.

“That also increases the public’s access to information,” Barnickel said.